The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Georgetown ¶ Sept 10th 1885 ¶ Baron Von Müller ¶ Dear Sir ¶ ¶ I hereby forward you under seprate cover, a herb, also a piece of the same made up into a compound. The Compound

Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 85.09.10

Preferred Citation:

Nicholas Samwell to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1885-09-10. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1880-9/1885/85-09-10-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

MS found with a specimen of Blumea axillaris (MEL 545065). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 16/10/85 FvM'. Letter not found.

Georgetown

MS annotation by M: 'Queensland'.

Sept 10th 1885

Baron Von Müller

Dear Sir

I hereby forward you under seprate cover, a herb, also a piece of the same made up into a compound. The Compound — (which I believe is made from this herb) is used by the Chineese at Gilberton

Qld.

for curing snake bites, for which purpose I have seen it used with good results the compound was pounded, and mixed with brandy, and then given internally, wound scarified & washed with water, then the same mixture applied — I have seen a horse bitten by a black Snake cured in this manner. I have also seen the wounds on two Chinamen who were bitten by a tiger Snake who said they were cured in this manner.

If the herb is so — it might become of some good — The herb might be a very common one for all I know, for "I am not much of a herbist". However if you should discover anything you could kindly let me know the name of the herb etc.

Hopeing that you receive it safetly and can make something out of it, also that it is not to scarious. I remain —

Dear Sir

Yours Very Truly

N. Samwell

Address —

N. Samwell

Georgetown, Etheridge Gold Field

North Queensland